Woodie King, Jr. (Finding Aid)

Woodie King, Jr.

1937 -

Favorite Color: Brown

Favorite Food: Chicken Brazalia, spicy Chinese shrimp

Favorite Time of Year: New York summers

Favorite Vacation Spot: London, England

Interview Length: 122 minutes

Interview Date(s): April 18, 2003

Interview Location(s): New Federal Theatre, New York, New York

Abstract

Woodie King details his childhood from growing up in Alabama to moving to Detroit at the age of 10. He describes the turmoil in his life due to his father's alcoholism and his parentss divorce. Once in Detroit, King's life takes a new twist, with the introduction of new suitors in his mother's life. Woodie King details his early years in off-Broadway theater with companies like the Negro Ensemble, and the launching of the New Federal Theatre Company. King also shares his thoughts on the difficulties of getting black-themed plays on stage due to changes in theater ownership and revenue agreements. Woodie King Jr. speaks at length of the hurdles black theater has faced and continues to leap over. He discusses issues like racism, lack of support in the black community and funding difficulties. Woodie King shares his philosophy of creating African American centered theater, and discusses the pitfalls of the endeavor. King wants to be remembered for being an "honest person who tried to, who really loved seeing our images reflected back to us in a beautiful, beautiful and artistic way because we are a beautiful people." The segment closes with six photos. Woodie King, Jr. describes the 31 photos he provided.

66 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)